Grouser for a crawler chain

ABSTRACT

The invention relates to a cleat assembly for drive tracks for tracked vehicles, in particular those used for grooming ski slopes. The cleat assembly has a cleat member that includes, in cross section, a U-shaped body as a connection shank and two U-shanks connected with the connection shank via a flex rim that fit together and end opposite to the connection shank by forming an end piece of the cleat member. The flex rim includes a roll bead that is positioned projecting essentially outward from the connecting shank and bent upward toward the end piece.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a cleat assembly for drive tracks for trackedvehicles, particularly for ski slope grooming, with a cleat member thatincludes an—in cross-section—essentially U-shaped base from a connectionshank and two U-shanks connected with it via a flex rim that fittogether and end opposite to the connection shank by forming an endpiece of the cleat member.

Such a cleat assembly is known from DE 90 06 13 U and DE 29 602 940 bythe same applicant. The cleat assembly is formed from shaped stockrunning perpendicular to the drive track, and is usually attached to thedrive track so that it may be removed. After attachment, the end piecesare basically perpendicular to the drive track, and serve at leastpartially to grip the surface on which the tracked vehicle moves.

As the tracked vehicle moves over the surface, flexure in sections ofthe rubber drive track may be observed near the flex rim between theU-shanks and connection shanks. Because of these bends, damage to thedrive track appears after a certain operating time because of therepeated flexure of the drive track over the flex rim.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The object of this application is to solve the task of improving thetype of cleat assembly described at the outset so that is allows longerdrive track service life with its simple and low-cost design.

This object is solved in connection with the features of the preamble ofclaim 1 in such a manner that the flex rim includes a roll bead that isprojecting essentially outward from the connecting shank and bent upwardtoward the end piece. As the tracked vehicle moves, the drive track isno longer bent along the flex rim, but rather is bent along the rollbead. Thus, much less load is imposed on the drive track, and theservice life of the drive track is increased in a simple, low-costmanner. In connection with this, one must be aware that correspondingdeformations or bends in the drive track appear especially in the areaof the track wheels, as well as in the area of the horizontally-mounteddrive track, when the cleat assemblies are pressed toward the drivetrack. It has been noted that the cleat assembly based on the inventionmay be used both for drive tracks during winter use of the trackedvehicle and for so-called “summer drive tracks.”

In order to form a roll bead without using a separate piece, the rollbead may be formed as one piece with the cleat element. In this case theflex rim known from the state of the art formed from the perpendicularmeeting of connecting shank and U-shank may be expanded into a roll beadthat projects outward and upward.

In order to be able to upgrade cleat assemblies already in use with aroll bead as necessary, the roll bead may be formed on at least onelateral end of a support washer locatable between the connecting shankand the drive track. In this manner, all tracked vehicles may beupgraded with cleat assemblies according to the state of the art asdescribed by this invention. Further, there exists the option ofproviding properly-shaped roll beads on the support washer, depending onthe used drive track and its potential flexure. That means that a rollbead of lesser size with a smaller crimping radius may be used for asmall degree of drive track flexure in the direction of the cleatassembly.

Since a tracked vehicle may drive either forward or backward,corresponding flexures of the drive track relative to the cleat assemblymay occur on both sides. To deal with this, the roll bead may be formedon both sides of the cleat member.

It is conceivable for a roll bead with simply-manufactured bend to beshaped like part of a circle, particularly with a quarter-circle shape,on its surface at least partially turned toward the drive track.

In order to maintain the same amount of bending or flexing of the drivetrack on both sides of the cleat member, the roll bead may be shapedwith the same bend radius on both sides of the cleat member. In thiscase, the cleat member or the support washer is formed symmetricallywith respect to the roll bead. It is equally possible to shape the rollbead to be asymmetrical in case the tracked vehicle drives preferably inone direction.

In order to provide adequate bending or flexing conditions for the drivetrack, the bend radius of the roll bead might be at least twice as greatas the bend radius of the flex rim. The magnitude of the bend radius isdetermined by the track tension, track material, the ground, etc.

The cleat assembly across from the cleat member might have a lowersupport washer so that the drive track is arranged between the supportwasher and the cleat member or upper support washer to ensure simple andreliable attachment of the cleat assembly to the drive track.

Since the drive track may also evince bends or flexures in the area ofthe lower support washer, the lower support washer might include atleast one roll bead on its lateral ends in an outward manner and bentaway from the drive track corresponding to upper support washer.

Larger bends or flexures of the drive track than in the area of theupper support washer may occur near the lower support washer, especiallynear the track wheels of the tracked vehicle. Therefore, the roll beadson the upper and lower support washers may be configured with differentbends. In order to simplify support washer manufacture, it is alsoconceivable that the roll beads be shaped the same on the upper andlower support washers.

In order to maintain a better connection between cleat assembly anddrive track, the support washer on its lower side facing the drive trackmight include at least one projection extending and at least partiallyprojecting in the longitudinal direction of the cleat assembly profile.This grips at least partially into the elastic drive track material.Further, such a projection may serve at least partially to prevent theintrusion of water, ice, or snow between the cleat assembly and drivetrack. Such material intruded between the cleat assembly and drive trackmay attack the surface of the drive track under certain weatherconditions. Further, the clamping effect between the cleat assembly anddrive track may be increased, which may prevent underside holes, forexample.

Both above-mentioned effects of such a projection may be furtherimproved if numerous such projections are arranged essentially parallelto one another on the underside.

A simple form of a support washer results if it is shaped essentially asa flat-bottomed tub with laterally arranged roll beads. The supportwasher may be manufactured from a suitable profile, as may the cleatmember.

In order to enable a certain closing shape with respect to the cleatmember when such a support washer is used, it is conceivable that theinterior edges of the roll beads of the support washer may at leastpartially contact the U-shanks from the outside. In this manner, thecleat member is adjustable within the support washer so that it is heldat least partially in proper position.

It is again emphasized that, depending on the application and usageconditions of the tracked vehicle, it is desirable for the roll beadbend radii at the ends of a support washer and/or of the upper and lowersupport washers to be different.

For a roll bead integrated directly into the cleat member, it isconceivable that the connection shank include at. least one projectionon its side facing the drive track. This acts similarly to theprojection or projections on the underside of a support washer toimprove grip on the drive track and at least partially prevent intrusionof water, snow, or ice in this area.

A simple embodiment example is conceivable in which a rim bead isintegrated into the cleat member whereby the rim bead at the cleatmember has an essentially flat upper side extending in the direction ofthe U-shank. This may extend perpendicular to the U-shank and blend intothe U-shank via a bend at the end.

Particularly good grip to the drive track may conceivably also beachieved if the projections are arranged offset with respect to eachother on the underside of the connection shank or the upper supportwasher and lower support washer.

In order to provide interchangeability for the upper and lower supportwashers, thus reducing manufacturing costs, the upper and lower supportwashers may be shaped identically.

A simple option for attaching the cleat assembly is conceivable in whichthe cleat member and/or upper support washer and/or lower support washerinclude a threaded hole used to secure the cleat assembly to the drivetrack.

One must note that it is possible according to the invention to use acleat assembly based on the above-mentioned state of the art in whichonly the lower support washer is constructed according to the invention.In this case, a bending or flexure of the drive band over the relativelysharp flex rim of the cleat member results, however, on the innersurface of the drive track that bends and flexes more sharply, a guidingaround the roll beads is achieved.

Regarding the materials of the cleat member and support washer, it mustbe mentioned that these may be selected based on the use of the trackedvehicle. For example, materials such as aluminum, steel, or alloyscontaining them for the cleat member, and the same materials as well asplastic for the support washers, may be recommended. Materials withsimilar characteristics may also be used for the cleat member and/or thesupport washer.

Advantageous embodiments of the invention are described in more detailusing the accompanied drawings. It is shown in:

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 a cross-sectional view through a cleat assembly based on a firstembodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 a cross-sectional view similar to that in FIG. 1 through a secondembodiment of the invention;

FIG. 3 a cross-sectional view similar to that in FIG. 1 through a thirdembodiment of the invention;

FIG. 4 a cross-sectional view through a support washer; and

FIG. 5 a cross-sectional view similar to that in FIG. 4 through anotherembodiment of a support washer.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a cross-sectional view through a cleat assembly 1 based ona first embodiment of the invention. This is formed from a profile, thatextends across a drive track 2 of a tracked vehicle (not shown). Thecleat assembly includes a cleat member 3 and. at least one lower supportwasher 17 used to secure it to the drive track 2, and an upper supportwasher 13 as necessary.

The cleat member 3 includes a body 4 that is essentially U-shaped andconsists of a connecting shank 5 and U-shanks 7, 8 extending upwards.The connecting shank 5 is connected to the U-shanks 7, 8 via a flex rim6 that is given a relatively small bend radius 16. The U-shanks 7, 8then extend upward to the connecting shank 5 essentially perpendicularto it, and then join to form an end piece 9 of the cleat member 3. Oneor more intermediate shanks 28 may be arranged as trusses between theU-shanks 7, 8.

The cleat member 3 and the support washers 13, 17 include threaded holes27 used to connect them to the drive track 2, into which a bolt 29 maybe threaded from the direction of the lower support washer 17, forexample.

A lower end of the cleat member 3 and particularly of the connectingshank 5 is essentially positioned within the tub-shaped upper supportwasher 13. This piece includes a flat lower surface that rests on thedrive track 2, on whose lateral ends 11, 12 of the support washer 13roll beads 10 are formed. Relative to the base 23 (see FIGS. 4 and 5),they are bent outward and upward, and include the flex rims 6. The bendof the roll beads 10 is especially bent into a partial circle toward theapplication side facing the drive track 2. (see FIGS. 4 and 5). In theembodiments shown, the partial-circle bend represents approximately aquarter-circle. The bend radius 15 facing this bend is greater than thatof the bend radius 16 facing the flex rim 6.

The lower support washer 17 similarly includes roll beads 10 on itslateral ends 18, 19. The upper and lower support washer 13, 17 may beshaped in the same manner. Not shown are embodiment examples based onthe invention in which the bend radii of various roll beads of a supportwasher, or of the upper and lower support washer, are different, and theroll beads 10 are also differently shaped.

In the following embodiment examples, identical parts are designatedwith the same indices, and will only be referred to in part.

FIG. 2 shows a cross section similar to that in FIG. 1 through a secondembodiment example of a cleat assembly 1 based on the invention. Thisone differs from the embodiment example of a cleat assembly in FIG. 1particularly in that projections 22 are configured on one of theundersides of the upper or lower support washer 13, 17 facing the drivetrack 2. They extend along the longitudinal direction 21 (see FIG. 1) ofthe cleat assembly profile. The longitudinal direction 21 isperpendicular to the plane of the figure.

FIG. 2 shows four mutually-parallel projections 22 arranged on bothsupport washers 13, 17, whereby a wavy, rippled, or otherwise texturedunderside of the support washers is provided, depending on the shape ofthe projections.

FIG. 3 shows a cross section similar to that in FIG. 1 through a thirdembodiment example. This one differs from the two previous embodimentexamples in that the roll beads 10 are incorporated. into the cleatmember 3. The roll beads 10 are essentially formed by a correspondingwidening on the lower end of the U-shaped body 4 with bent applicationside 14 corresponding to the previous embodiment examples. In FIG. 3,the known travel of the U-shanks 7, 8 toward the connecting shank 5 isshown with a dashed line (see FIG. 1 and 2), whereby the flex rim 6 isformed at the connection between the U-shanks and connecting shank 5. Itis clearly recognizable that considerably less bending or flexure of thedrive track 2 (particularly in the area of track wheels) or bending ofthe drive track 2 resulting from a load on the cleat assembly 1 willresult from positioning the roll bead 10 opposite the flex rim 6.

FIG. 3 further shows that the roll beads 10 need not be configuredsymmetrically. A roll bead may also be formed as shown by the dottedline. This applies similarly to both roll beads of the upper supportwasher or also to the roll beads of the lower support washer 17.Further, there exists the option that at least one roll bead may beshaped with an even greater bend radius so that a certain enlargement ofthe application surface from cleat member 3 or support washer 13, 17simultaneously results relative to the drive track 2.

The roll beads 10 in FIG. 3 include a basically flat upper surface 26that moves toward the U-shanks 7, 8 where it passes over a bend thatextends upward toward the end piece 9.

Similarly to the embodiment example in FIG. 2, projections 22 arepositioned on the underside 25 of the cleat member 3 or of theconnecting shanks 5. In this case, the projections 22 are positionedoffset to corresponding projections in the lower support washers 17.Such an arrangement of the projections is also possible in theembodiment example shown in FIG. 2. Of course, corresponding projections22 may be provided on only one side of the drive track 2, for example.

FIGS. 4 and 5 show the support washers 13, 17 separately and without thedrive track 2 or cleat member 3. One should notice in this regard thatan inner side 24 of the roll bead 10 may be so configured that it lieson an outer side of the U-shanks 7, 8, fitting to at least the uppersupport washer 13 which supports it. The support washer in FIG. 4corresponds to the upper or lower support washer 13, 17 as shown in FIG.1, and the support washer in FIG. 5 corresponds to the upper or lowersupport washer 13, 17 as shown in FIG. 2, or to the lower support washer17 as shown in FIG. 3.

What is claimed is:
 1. A cleat assembly (1) for drive tracks (2) oftracked vehicles with a cleat member (3) that includes an—incross-section—essentially U-shaped base (4) from a connection shank (5)and two U-shanks (7,8) connected with the connection shank via a flexrim (6) that fit together and end opposite to the connection shank (5)by forming an end piece (9) of the cleat member (3) characterized inthat the flex rim (6) includes a roll bead, the roll bead having a bendradius, that is projecting essentially outward from the connecting shank(5) and bent, upward toward the end piece (9), and further characterizedin that the flex rim has a contour that is essentially tub-shaped with aflat bottom (23) and is formed with laterally arranged roll beads (10).2. The cleat assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that theroll bead (10) is formed as a single piece with the cleat member (3). 3.The cleat assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that the rollbead is formed on at least one lateral end (11, 12) of an upper supportwasher (13) that may be positioned between the connecting shank (5) andthe drive track (2).
 4. The cleat assembly according to claim 1,characterized in that the roll bead (10) is formed on both sides of thecleat member (3).
 5. A cleat assembly (1) for drive tracks (2) oftracked vehicles with a cleat member (3) that includes an—incross-section—essentially U-shaped base (4) from a connection shank (5)and two U-shanks (7,8) connected with the connection shank via a flexrim (6) that fit together and end opposite to the connection shank (5)by forming an end piece (9) of the cleat member (3) characterized inthat the flex rim (6) includes a roll bead, the roll bead having anapplication side, that is projecting essentially outward from theconnecting shank (5) and bent upward toward the end piece (9),characterized in that the roll bead (10) is formed on its applicationside (14) toward the drive track (2) in a quarter-circle shape.
 6. Thecleat assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that the roll bead(10) is formed on both sides of the cleat member (3) with the same bendradius (15).
 7. A cleat assembly (1) for drive tracks (2) of trackedvehicles with a cleat member (3) that includes an—incross-section—essentially U-shaped base (4) from a connection shank (5)and two U-shanks (7,8) connected with the connection shank via a flexrim (6) that fit together and end opposite to the connection shank (5)by forming an end piece (9) of the cleat member (3) characterized inthat the flex rim (6) includes a roll bead, the roll bead having a bendradius, that is projecting essentially outward from the connecting shank(5) and bent upward toward the end piece (9), characterized in that thebend radius (15) of the roll bead (10) is at least twice as great as thebend radius (16) of the flex rim (6).
 8. The cleat assembly according toclaim 1, characterized in that the cleat assembly (1) positionedopposing the cleat member (3) includes a lower support washer (17) andan upper support washer (13) so that the drive track (2) is positionedbetween the lower support washer and the cleat member (3) or the uppersupport washer (13).
 9. The cleat assembly according to claim 8,characterized in that the lower support washer (17) includes at leastone roll bead (10) on its lateral ends (18, 19) corresponding to theupper support washer (13) and is bent away from the drive track (2). 10.A cleat assembly (1) for drive tracks (2) of tracked vehicles whereinthe cleat assembly includes a lower support washer and an upper supportwasher, the cleat assembly further including a cleat member (3) thatincludes an—in cross-section—essentially U-shaped base (4) from aconnection shank (5) and two U-shanks (7,8) connected with the.connection shank via a flex rim (6) that fit together and end oppositeto the connection shank (5) by forming an end piece (9) of the cleatmember (3), characterized in that the flex rim (6) includes a roll bead,the roll bead having a bend radius, that is projecting essentiallyoutward from the connecting shank (5) and bent upward toward the endpiece (9), characterized in that the roll beads (10) are shaped the sameon the upper and the lower support washers (13, 17).
 11. The cleatassembly according to claim 8, characterized in that the upper supportwasher and the lower support washer (13, 17) include at least oneprojection (22) extending and at least partially projecting toward thedrive track (2) and at least partially in the longitudinal direction(21) of the cleat assembly profile on its underside (20) in contact withthe drive track (2).
 12. The cleat assembly according to claim 1,characterized in that numerous projections (22) essentially parallel toone another are positioned on the underside (20).
 13. The cleat assemblyaccording to claim 8, characterized in that the upper support washer andthe lower support washer (13, 17) are both essentially tub-shaped with aflat bottom (23) and is formed with laterally arranged roll beads (10).14. A cleat assembly (1) for drive tracks (2) of tracked vehicleswherein the cleat assembly includes a lower support washer and an uppersupport washer, the cleat assembly further including a cleat member (3)that includes an—in cross-section—essentially U-shaped base (4) from aconnection shank (5) and two U-shanks (7,8) connected with theconnection shank via a flex rim (6) that fit together and end oppositeto the connection shank (5) by forming an end piece (9) of the cleatmember (3), characterized in that the flex rim (6) includes a roll bead,the roll bead having a bend radius, that is projecting essentiallyoutward from the connecting shank (5) and bent upward toward the endpiece (9), characterized in that the roll beads (10) of the uppersupport washer and the lower support washer (13, 17) are positioned withtheir inner sides (24) at. least partially on the outside of theU-shanks (7, 8).
 15. The cleat assembly according to claim 8,characterized in that the bend radius (15) of the roll beads (10) isdifferent at the ends (11, 12; 18, 19) of one of the upper supportwasher or lower support washer (13, 17) and/or at the upper:supportwasher and lower support washer (13, 17).
 16. The cleat assemblyaccording to claim 1, characterized in that the connecting shank (5)includes at least one projection (22) on its underside (25) facing thedrive track (2).
 17. The cleat assembly according to claim 1,characterized in that the roll bead (10) on the cleat member (3)includes an upper side (26) that is essentially flat and that extendstoward the U-shanks (7, 8).
 18. A cleat assembly (1) for drive tracks(2) of tracked vehicles wherein the cleat assembly includes a lowersupport washer and an upper support washer, the cleat assembly furtherincluding a cleat member (3) that includes an—incross-section—essentially U-shaped base (4) from a connection shank (5)and two U-shanks (7,8) connected with the connection shank via a flexrim (6) that fit together and end opposite to the connection shank (5)by forming an end piece (9) of the cleat member (3), characterized inthat the flex rim (6) includes a roll bead, the roll bead having a bendradius, that is projecting essentially outward from the connecting shank(5) and bent upward toward the end piece (9), characterized in that theprojections (22) on the underside (25) of the connecting shank (5) or ofthe upper support washer (13) or the lower support washer (17) arepositioned offset with respect to each other.
 19. A cleat assembly (1)for drive tracks (2) of tracked vehicles wherein the cleat assemblyincludes a lower support washer and an upper support washer, the cleatassembly further including a cleat member (3) that includes an—incross-section—essentially U-shaped base (4) from a connection shank (5)and two U-shanks (7,8) connected with the connection shank via a flexrim (6) that fit together and end opposite to the connection shank (5)by forming an end piece (9) of the cleat member (3), characterized inthat the flex rim (6) includes a roll bead, the roll bead having a bendradius, that is projecting essentially outward from the connecting shank(5) and bent upward toward the end piece (9), characterized in that theupper support washer and lower support washer (13, 17) are shaped thesame.
 20. The cleat assembly according to claim 8, characterized in thatthe cleat member (3) and/or upper support washer (13) and/or lowersupport washer (17) include threaded holes (27) by means of which thecleat assembly (1) may be attached to the drive track (2).